Creative Access and David Tebbutt Trust honour former Faber director with new internship, reports Heloise Wood in The Bookseller.
The David Tebbutt Trust and Creative Access have announced a new internship fund in memory of the late David Tebbutt, finance director at Faber, who was killed in Kenya in 2011.
It will support smaller regional publishers who might otherwise not be able to host a trainee. The internship will be funded by the David Tebbutt Trust, which is jointly administered by Faber and the Tebbutt family.
The fund will provide 100% of the cost of an intern’s training bursary or salary based on the Real Living Wage for a six-month full-time traineeship once a year for three years. It will also cover all costs relating to the recruitment and training of successful candidates.
Creative Access and David Tebbutt Trust have set up a new publishing internship fund, in honour of the late David Tebbutt, Financial director at Faber.
In memory of Faber finance director, David Tebbutt
The David Tebbutt Trust and Creative Access have announced a new internship fund in memory of the late David Tebbutt, Finance Director at Faber from 2002 until his untimely death in September 2011.
The Fund will provide 100% of the cost of an intern’s training bursary or salary based on the Real Living Wage for a 6-month full-time traineeship once a year for three years. It will also cover all costs relating to the recruitment and training of successful candidates.
The Fund aims to encourage young people from historically marginalised backgrounds to pursue a career in publishing. This means that successful trainees will identify as being from an under-represented group in the creative industries, including, but not limited to, Black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates, disabled, deaf and neurodivergent people, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
It will support smaller regional publishers who might otherwise not be able to host a trainee. The internship will be funded by the David Tebbutt Trust, which is jointly administered by Faber and the Tebbutt family.
Oliver Tebbutt, the late David Tebbutt’s son and David Tebbutt Fund Trustee said:
“We are very pleased to announce the David Tebbutt Internship. My father was dedicated to publishing and the book trade and was passionate about supporting people from all backgrounds to pursue careers in the sector. I know it would make him extremely happy and I hope it can help people from under-represented communities enter the industry that he loved.”
Josie Dobrin, Executive Chair of Creative Access, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the David Tebbutt Trust to create much-needed entry roles in the publishing industry for people from marginalised communities; a Fund which honours David and is fitting to his memory. We are particularly pleased to be funding small to medium-sized organisations where this grant can have more impact and to be focusing on regional companies where there are fewer opportunities to enter the book sector.”
The process of recruiting candidates for the traineeship will be undertaken by Creative Access. Successful interns will be paid the Real Living Wage and will join the Creative Access Springboard programme, including training, networking and peer support.
Any organisations wishing to apply can download an application form here. The deadline for applications is 12 noon, Monday 17 February 2025.
The Fund has placed over 50 interns in publishing, theatre and music traineeships
The Mo Siewcharran Fund has announced its latest four grant awards: immersive theatre company, Punchdrunk Enrichment; theatre publishers and performing arts agents, Nick Hern Books; national poetry charity, Forward Arts Foundation; and Leicester-based arts charity, Soft Touch Arts.
In its sixth year, the Mo Siewcharran Fund continues to support a breadth of creative organisations in its mission to enable people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds to break into publishing, theatre and music.
The Fund was set up in memory of Nielsen Books’ former Director of Marketing and Communications, Mo Siewcharran by her husband, John Seaton; she was passionate about improving accessibility and representation in publishing and theatre. The Fund is administered by Creative Access – a leading social enterprise specialising in diversity and inclusion.
Impact of the Fund
Including the latest grant awards, since the Fund started in 2018, it will have supported 52 Black, Asian and ethnically-diverse trainees in publishing, theatre and music across the UK. The grants contribute to the salary of an intern for a six-month traineeship and a full programme of support from Creative Access to ensure the trainee thrives in their new role.
Its impact can be clearly seen across each sector: two-thirds (63%) of interns supported by the Fund stayed on at their host organisation at the end of their traineeship, whilst 9 out of 10 (89%) trainees continued to work in the same sector.
On this latest round of recipients, the founder of the Mo Siewcharran Memorial Fund, John Seaton said:
“With this round a happy milestone is passed. Since starting in 2018 the Mo Siewcharran Fund has supported over fifty interns. And it is not stopping here! To add to all the previous wonderful participating companies, it is a delight to welcome these four new ones covering, so stylishly as they do, such a broad area of the Arts: theatre, music, theatre publishing and poetry. Bravo to them; my thanks, as ever, to Creative Access for making it all happen.”
Punchdrunk Enrichment is a charity creating transformational theatre for education, community and family audiences. On being awarded the Fund, Punchdrunk Enrichment’s Artistic Director, Peter Higgin said:
“Punchdrunk Enrichment is delighted to be part of the Creative Access Programme, supported by the Mo Siewcharran Fund. As we make our home in Brent, we are committed to ensuring that our staff team, stories we tell and audiences are representative of the communities we serve. This opportunity will allow an individual their first steps into an industry, removing barriers and creating visibility. Programmes like this are vital in supporting our organisation and the wider sector.”
Forward Arts Foundation is a national charity committed to widening poetry’s audience through grassroots campaigns. Head of Programmes, Jay Bhadricha stated:
“We are extremely excited to get the Mo Siewcharran Fund grant from Creative Access, which will enable us to welcome a Marketing and Communications Assistant to Forward Arts Foundation. This opportunity will help us champion diverse voices in poetry, support emerging talent while fostering inclusive audiences. With the support and training provided, the Trainee will make a significant contribution to Forward and the sector as a whole.”
Recipient, Nick Hern Books, are the UK’s leading specialist theatre publishers and performing rights agents with over 1,500 plays and theatre books in its catalogue. Matt Applewhite, Managing Director, commented:
“We are proud and grateful to receive the support of the Mo Siewcharran Fund, and the brilliant Creative Access, to launch an internship scheme at Nick Hern Books. As a publisher of plays and books about theatre, it is particularly fitting and humbling, given Mo’s passion for both theatre and books. We are committed to publishing work that represents the wonderful diversity of the UK – and equally passionate about breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups working in the creative industries. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our first intern in the new year, and excited about the contribution they’ll make as a valued member of our team.”
Leicester-based Soft Touch Arts has been using creative projects to engage with and transform the lives of young people since 1986. Upon receiving the Fund, Helen Abeles, Co-artistic Director, said:
“We are delighted to have been offered a grant from the Mo Siewcharran Fund to take on a music intern. This funding will enable us to bring in new talent to support our work with young people whilst fostering the new generation of participatory music leaders.”
Josie Dobrin OBE, Executive Chair, Creative Access, said:
“It has been such a joy to work with John on launching and running the Mo Siewcharran Fund. We can be hugely proud of the impact the Fund has already had; with these latest round of grant awards, we will have placed 52 trainees in paid 6 month internships, the length and breadth of the UK – from Edinburgh and Glasgow, to Manchester and Sheffield, to Brighton and Bristol. The vast majority of the interns have gone on to forge successful careers in the creative industries, which represents a fantastic legacy for Mo.”
The Fund opens its next grant round
The Fund is once again open for other theatre, publishing or music organisations wishing to support internships for those from under-represented communities.
The deadline for the next round is midday Thursday 6th June 2025. Those interested in applying should download the application form here: Mo Siewcharran Fund application form
Matilda Battersby has reported that Creative Access has secured sponsorship from publishers, including Penguin Random House, Sage and Profile Books, to support mid-level freelancers from under-represented backgrounds via sponsored places on a year-long creative development programme. Read the article in full.
17 spaces are available on the Thrive Career Development Programme, aimed at mid-level freelancers from under-represented backgrounds, reports Lucy Nathan at BookBrunch.
- Only 8% of publishing freelancers report having mentorship access, and 1 in 2 feel unsupported by employers
- Backed by 11 trade and academic publishers, Thrive Career Development Programme provides 17 essential training & support places for minority freelancers
- Launch supports the Publisher Association’s Work in Publishing Week to boost career growth for diverse talent
Diversity, equity and inclusion social enterprise Creative Access has secured sponsorship from across the publishing industry to support mid-level freelancers from under-represented backgrounds through sponsored places on its Thrive Career Development Programme. This initiative addresses a significant gap in professional support for freelancers, who provide essential services to the publishing sector yet often lack access to crucial career development resources like training, mentorship and networking opportunities.
Freelancers are a vital part of the publishing workforce, supporting functions like proofreading, copyediting, design, illustration and sensitivity reading. However, freelancers from minority backgrounds face a significant lack of support: Creative Access’ Freelancer Report 2023 shows that only 19% have received training and just 8% have had a mentor. This is despite 61% wanting to see training from employers and 44% stating mentorship is vital. Half of publishing freelancers (50%) feel unsupported by employers, with 58% citing basic practices such as late payment as a major issue.
Underserved publishing freelancers gain training, with 17 sponsored places from 11 leading publishers
Launching during Work in Publishing Week—a national campaign by the Publisher’s Association to inspire careers in publishing—Creative Access’ Thrive Career Development Programme for mid-level professionals has garnered unprecedented industry support, with sponsorship from trade and academic publishers,
Freelancers essential to creative economy
According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), 32% of jobs in the UK’s creative and cultural industries are self-employed, compared to just 14% across the wider UK economy. Publishing freelancers, like their counterparts in film, television, and the performing arts, are essential to sustaining the UK’s vibrant creative landscape yet often face barriers to support and growth. A 2023 report by Literature Alliance Scotland showed that 93% of freelancers agree that the sector relies on freelancers, however the majority of freelancers (58%) do not feel valued by the sector. This programme aims to address these gaps and empower publishing freelancers to thrive in their careers.
Industry reactions:
Josie Dobrin OBE, executive chair & co-founder, Creative Access: “We know how vital freelancers are to the publishing industry, yet many, especially from minority backgrounds, face barriers to career growth and support. It is so gratifying to see key players across the industry come together to collectively address the challenges faced by the freelance community; to promote retention and ensure that all individuals – whatever their background – feel valued and are given the opportunity to thrive.”
Claire Thomas, director of organisational development & talent at Penguin Random House said: “Penguin Random House is thrilled to support Creative Access’s innovative new programme. Investing in the development of freelancers from under-represented communities will support the industry’s commitment to greater representation and retention, through the development and strengthening of new networks and skills.”
Kiren Shoman, executive vice president, editorial & global executive lead, DEI at Sage said: “We are thrilled to support the Freelancers Publishers Training Programme as a sponsor. At Sage, we believe in the power of diverse voices. This programme aligns with our commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity in the publishing industry. We look forward to seeing the valuable impact that will emerge from this initiative.”
Rebecca Gray, managing director at Profile Books, said: “Creative Access is constantly driving change and coming up with ways to open up our industry, so when Josie asked us to sponsor a place on this scheme we said a very quick ‘yes please!’ Making freelancing accessible is a clever way to look at our diversity initiatives through a new lens and we are very much looking forward to meeting the people who join the programme.”
Thrive Career Development Programme details
The year-long Thrive programme will begin in March 2024 and offers 17 sponsored places for mid-level freelance talent in publishing. Participants will gain access to:
- Targeted training in key areas such as career sustainability, leadership presence, financial literacy for freelancers, and advocacy skills.
- Mentorship from senior professionals in the publishing industry, providing six months of personalised career support.
- Exclusive networking events with publishing partners, offering connections to foster long-term professional relationships and more!
This opportunity is designed for freelancers with at least six months of experience in the publishing industry, including in roles across editing, design, project coordination, and other key publishing functions. It will include both in-person and online sessions to ensure accessibility to freelancers across the UK.
Application Information
- Applications Open: 18 November 2024
- Deadline: 2 January 2025, 5:00pm
- How to Apply: Freelancers can apply via the Creative Access opportunities board, where they will complete an application form and submit an up-to-date CV, indicating any prior work with the programme’s partner publishers. Link to apply: https://opportunities.creativeaccess.org.uk/job/thrive-development-programmes-freelancers-working-publishing-31401
For more details about the Thrive Career Development Programme and the application process, visit http://opportunities.creativeaccess.org.uk/ or contact yasmin@creativeaccess.org.uk
‘Reacting to the announcement of 2024’s Class Pay Gap Day, Yasmin Hemmings, who oversees support programmes for individuals from under-represented backgrounds at social enterprise Creative Access, explains the pay gap is even more acute for ethnically diverse talent.
According to Creative Access research, almost half (48%) of ethnically diverse professionals surveyed report socio-economic bias in hiring and promotions, double that of their white counterparts (24%). A further 40% feel overlooked in their careers due to class, versus 30% of white working class professionals.
“This stark ‘class ceiling’ strongly impacts diversity in leadership. Seeing few others who share their background, working class ethnically diverse professionals face extra hurdles to advance,” says Hemmings.
“This goes beyond fairness – it’s a call for employers to adopt truly inclusive practices that address class and race, as well as disability.”
She argues the introduction of mandatory socio-economic pay gap reporting would help “dismantle” the structural barriers holding talented professionals back.
Member of the Creative Access steering group Jaber Mohamed, director of health comms and PR at MHP Group, identifies connections and money as two of the biggest barriers to entry into the creative industries.
“Lots of opportunities aren’t advertised, so you need to know the right people to get them. And the PR and comms industry is very concentrated to London, so you need to be able to afford to live here/support yourself to take advantage of those opportunities,” Mohamed notes.
“This is especially difficult if your family can’t support you/help you when you’re starting out.”’
On the new report from the Sutton Trust examining class inequality in creative careers and education, Creative Access CEO Mel Rodrigues offers comment and advice for employers intent on tackling social inequality in the creative industries, reports Mary Stone:
‘Melanie Rodrigues, CEO of Creative Access, said employers and institutions need to work together to remove obstacles “in a more joined-up way”.
She agreed the findings “sadly reflect the everyday experiences of working-class talent across the UK, who face a multitude of barriers to accessing and maintaining creative careers”.
“Addressing socio-economic barriers is a complex task, but it is business critical to nurture and progress talent from all backgrounds. There is a huge risk that the creative industries will lose what makes us great if we don’t embrace the myriad of stories and experiences that make up the society we live in – and that can only be achieved via a diverse and representative workforce,” said Rodrigues.’
TV development leader Dean Webster joins Creative Access board, backed by Simons Muirhead Burton
Creative Access is thrilled to announce that Dean Webster has joined the board of Creative Access. Dean started his Creative Access journey as a trainee for Shine Group back in 2013 and is now Head of Development at Ten66 Television.
Dean participated in the2023 – 24 Steering Group; a training programme for future charity trustees bringing together a group of 16 individuals from the Creative Access community. This initiative is sponsored by leading media law firm, Simons Muirhead Burton who joined forces with Creative Access to guide and sponsor the programme. Their involvement includes a financial contribution, hosting the meetings at their central London office and providing in-house speakers on legal governance.
In addition to Dean, two other members of the steering group have secured board roles including film & TV production strategist Osas Esosa, Olsberg SPI, who has joined the board of Shoreditch Town Hall and freelance writer & editor Dushi Horti (formerly HarperCollins) is joining London-based reading charity, Doorstep Library.
Josie Dobrin, Executive Chair, Creative Access said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Dean to our Board. We know his commitment, energy and experience will be a huge asset to us. It’s extremely exciting to now have two brilliant and skilled alumni on our board, reflecting the needs of our community as we seek to grow our impact over the coming years, and to create the urgent change required to representation at all levels of the creative industries and culture sector.
Our community have a huge amount of skills and energy to offer to leadership teams of commercial and not-for-profit organisations. All too often, job descriptions require applicants to have experience for non-executive roles, so we are thrilled that by having created this leadership pathway, we are removing obstacles for progression and that so many of the group have already secured non-executive roles. We are indebted to Simons Muirhead Burton for their huge and invaluable support of this programme.”
Commenting on his appointment to the Board, Dean Webster, Head of Development, Ten66 Television said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been accepted onto the Non-Executive Board of Creative Access, an organisation that has been so integral in my career by opening the door to the television industry and supporting me to thrive in the sector. I’m proud and excited to support Creative Access in this new chapter as they continue to create more opportunities in the creative economy for diverse people.”
Speaking of their involvement, Peter Weiss, who jointly heads the Corporate, Commercial & Finance team at Simons Muirhead Burton and also sits on the Creative Access advisory board said: “There are many synergies between the work and values of both Creative Access and Simons Muirhead Burton. We are delighted to be able to sponsor this important initiative which will create a pipeline of candidates from communities that are under-represented at non-executive level, who will help organisations to innovate, future-proof decision-making and better reflect the organisations which will benefit from their engagement.”
Creative Access has added Dean Webster, Head of Development at Ten66 Television, to its board, reports Televisual.
Drew Bunyan joined Weber Shandwick in 2023 via Creative Access and is now a permanent junior creative at the company. He spoke to
Jane Hamilton at The Times about how he found the role and his advice for aspiring creatives looking to break into the industry:
“I found out about the scheme through social enterprise Creative Access. My internship was a 3-in-1 experience, working with production, design and the creative teams.
My advice would be to find an internship which you’ll genuinely enjoy. It’s a brilliant stepping stone into any industry as it exposes you to work life and skills.
Just because you don’t make it into the first one don’t give up. A hundred nos can one day lead to a yes. Be persistent, recognise when you feel disheartened by the application process, step back, then try again. Consider it the start of your grind, which may be tough at times, but it will definitely pay off in the end.”